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Education:

For entry-level positions a Bachelor of Science in Biochemistry, Biophysics, or other related field. Ph.D. usually required to work in independent research and development.

Employment Opportunities:

Jobs in cell biology, molecular biology, biochemistry, and medical genetics are a few of the areas of employment opportunities.

Job Outlook:

There is an above average job growth in this field .

Genetic Engineering Timeline

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Impacts on Society

Genetic engineering has brought many changes to society. The medical and agricultural fields are two of the fields that have been greatly impacted by it. Research is ongoing to determine the impact of genetic engineering.

Genetic Engineers have brought progress to the medical field in numerous ways. They work on identifying and studying genes that are vulnerable to cancer. Researchers are closing in on inherited mutations that might contribute to people developing certain types of cancers. Once these mutations are found, research can be done to find ways to “fix” them so people will not get cancer because of them. Genetic engineering is also being used to diagnose and predict disease and to develop drugs to treat Alzheimer’s, diabetes, and other diseases.

Agriculture uses genetic engineering to modify plants. Plants are modified so they will produce a higher yield. These genetically engineered plants are made to be more pest resistant and more tolerant of drought. In time, this field could to lead to the end of world starvation. Even though genetically modified plants have their good points, they have also led to some problems. Herbicide-tolerant genetically engineered crops have led to more herbicide use by farmers. This increase has led to herbicide-resistant “super weeds”. These super weeds can grow to be eight feet tall and are difficult to get rid of. Another concern with genetically engineered plants is the health risks. A Brazil nut gene was added to soybeans, causing a reaction to those with Brazil nut allergies.

Genetic Engineering has made changes in agriculture and medicine. Someday, because of this field, cancer, diabetes, and other diseases will not exist. The world’s food supply will be able to keep up with the increase in population. The world will be a better place.